Department for Transport

Midland Main Railway Line: Electrification

lord bradshaw: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 26 June (HL16302), whether they will publish an estimate of the costs of the decision not to electrify the Midland Main Line to Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield; and what is the basis for the estimates of the costs of electrification used in their calculations.

baroness vere of norbiton: When the decision not to proceed with electrification from Kettering to Sheffield and Nottingham was taken in 2017, approximately £30m had been spent on preliminary works north of Kettering. The majority of this was on bridge improvement works, which will deliver benefits such as improved asset condition irrespective of any electrification. The indicative c.£1.0bn (in 2012/13 prices) cost estimate for electrifying the route from Kettering to Sheffield / Nottingham was developed by Network Rail in 2016, as part of the Midland Main Line enhancements programme. Thanks to modern technology, we no longer need to electrify every part of every line in order to deliver better journeys. The decision not to continue with electrification from Kettering to Sheffield and Nottingham means that passengers will benefit from new trains sooner and with less disruption, when compared with electrifying the entire line. The upgrade of the Midland Main Line will support better journeys from 2020, including faster journeys in the peak and more seats, with further improvements from 2022 with a fleet of brand new bi-mode trains. Rapid delivery of passenger benefits, whilst minimising impacts on passengers, should always be our priority.

Midland Main Railway Line

lord bradshaw: To ask Her Majesty's Government what proportion of inter-city trains on the Midland Main Line are more than 30 years old; and what is the cost of converting those trains to full electric operation.

baroness vere of norbiton: There are 12 intercity trains operating on the Midland Main Line that are more than 30 years old. These trains will be phased out during the next franchise. Abellio will oversee the introduction of brand-new trains capable of operating under electric or diesel power, entirely replacing the existing intercity fleet by December 2022, and introducing a modern electric express fleet between Corby and London by December 2020.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Energy

lord haworth: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to publish the next Energy White Paper.

lord henley: My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has stated his intention to publish the energy white paper in the summer. We will provide more details in due course.

Supermarkets

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on any decline in retail sales in the UK supermarket sector.

lord henley: The Government works closely with the retail sector both through bilateral engagement and also through the EU Exit Panel. This Panel, of which a number of key supermarkets are members, brings Government and the sector together to understand the sector’s issues as we near the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Figures from the Office of National Statistics show retail sales figures for spending in predominantly food stores show a growth of 1.9% in the three months to May, compared with the same period in 2018. On 28 November 2018, Her Majesty's Government released a detailed economic assessment of the effect of multiple EU Exit scenarios on the strength of all parts of the UK economy. It included associated costs for five broad sector groups across the economy, which together cover the majority of the UK economy and all traded goods and services.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Bahrain: Sentencing

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer bythe Minister of State for the Middle Easton 18 June (HC264373), whether the training provided by the UK to a delegation from the government of Bahrain’s Ministry of Interioron alternative sentencing was delivered as part of their technical assistance programme to that country; andon which datesthat training was delivered.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: No training on alternative sentencing was provided to the delegation from the Ministry of Interior when they conducted a study visit to the UK on the 14-15 March. The study visit was a part of the technical assistance that the UK is providing the Government of Bahrain.

Jamal Khashoggi

viscount waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer byBaroness Goudie on 27 June,what repercussions the UK has indicated to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would follow should international judicial norms not be followed in all matters relating tothe death of Jamal Khashoggi.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British Government condemns Jamal Khashoggi's killing in the strongest possible terms. The Government remains clear that anyone found responsible must be held fully accountable. The ongoing Saudi judicial process is an important element in the process to establish accountability. We expect it to proceed in line with internationally recognised legal standards. The UK attends the trial as part of a group of international observers. We attend all trials of international concern where host governments permit us to do so. It would not be appropriate for us to comment on an ongoing legal process.

Department for Education

Apprentices: Arts

lord foster of bath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the amount of apprenticeship levy money that was (1) paid, and (2) spent, by creative industry companies in the 2018–19 financial year.

lord agnew of oulton: The apprenticeship levy is collected by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from employers with a pay bill in excess of £3 million per year. HMRC does not publish data on levy receipts broken down by sector. The Education and Skills Funding Agency does not require levy-paying employers to register a sector when they set up an online apprenticeship service account to manage their funds. It is therefore unable to supply information on the sectoral distribution of spending on apprenticeships in the format requested. From discussions with the sector, we recognise that there are some challenges faced by the sector in spending available funds due to the nature of the creative industries’ labour market. We are working closely with them so that they can benefit from apprenticeships.We are also working with the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport on an innovative Film and TV Apprenticeships pilot which will enable around 25 apprentices to benefit from hands-on experience on the sets of major films and TV shows.Launching later this year, it will explore a new model for how high-quality apprenticeships can be used to deliver multiple placements on film and TV productions, as well as addressing skills shortages.

English Language: Education

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish a strategy for English for speakers of other languages for people living in England.

lord agnew of oulton: The government recognises that language skills are crucial to help people integrate into life in England, as well as to break down barriers to work and career progression.As part of the response to the Integrated Communities Strategy Green paper (attached), the government will publish a new strategy for English for speakers of other languages in autumn 2019. We are working across government to develop the strategy which will provide a shared vision for all publicly funded English language provision.



HL16816_document
(PDF Document, 475.88 KB)

Chartered College of Teaching

lord lexden: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the work of the Chartered College of Teaching.

lord agnew of oulton: In January 2017, The Chartered College of Teaching (CCT) became a new, independent, professional teaching body and now has more than 24,000 members. Their membership offer includes a peer-reviewed and award-winning journal; an online platform for members to share and engage with research; the Chartered Teacher programme to recognise excellence in teaching; and access to teacher networks, conferences and workshops.CCT has contributed their expertise to the department; for example, in the development of the Early Career Framework and Recruitment and Retention Strategy, published in January 2019. The department is continuing to work with CCT about their plans to increase membership and support the teaching profession in the future.

Department for Education: Sanitation

lord lucas: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultation they undertook, and with whom, beforethey decided to convert the communal visitors’ area toilets in Sanctuary Buildings to unisex toilets; and whatresponses they received.

lord lucas: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, since the conversion of the communal visitors’ area toilets in Sanctuary Buildings to unisex toilets, they have canvassed views on the effects of that change; and if so, whatresponse they received.

lord lucas: To ask Her Majesty's Government what toilet facilities they offer in Sanctuary Buildings to visitors who, by reason of (1) custom, (2) religion, or (3) any other reason, are unwilling touse unisex toilet facilities.

lord lucas: To ask Her Majesty's Government why they decided to convert the communal visitors' area toilets in Sanctuary Buildings to unisex toilets.

lord agnew of oulton: As part of the department’s actions to make the office environment as inclusive as possible, it introduced a series of gender-neutral toilets. This followed consultation with a range of staff networks representing individuals with different ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexualities and disabilities. The department endeavours to cater for a diverse variety of visitors to all our offices. The London office receives the most visitors, and for their comfort, we provide toilets in the waiting area in reception. However, there is limited space. To make the area as accessible as possible to all potential visitors, there is a disabled toilet and two gender-neutral toilets. The gender-neutral toilets are walled floor to ceiling cubicles with a shared hand washing and access area. Visitors who may not wish to use, or may feel uncomfortable using gender-neutral facilities are able to use other toilets in the building. They are available to visitors once they have passed through security or, if they are unable to wait, a member of the reception or security team can escort them to a single sex toilet. The facilities available in London include both gender-neutral toilets and those specifically for each sex; with single sex toilet blocks on all floors and a further 20 gender neutral toilets across five floors. The department has not yet canvassed views on changes to the toilet facilities in the London office, as the department is about to commence a major refurbishment and upgrade to all its mechanical, electrical, water and drainage systems. As part of this, the department will consult with its staff on toilet facilities.

Students: Disability

lord low of dalston: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish the results of the Student Loans Company Assistive Technology Equipment and Training Tender.

viscount younger of leckie: An invitation to tender will be released shortly by the Student Loans Company, who are responsible for the tendering process. The result of this process will be published in the autumn of this year.

Ministry of Justice

Television: Licensing

baroness jolly: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any estimate of the number of prosecutions of people over the age of 75 that may arise from non-payment of TV licences from June 2020.

lord keen of elie: No estimate has been made as to the potential increase in prosecutions for non-payment of TV licences from June 2020.

Television: Licensing

lord foulkes of cumnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide additional support to Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service in order to deal with any increase in cases of non-payment of TV licences by vulnerable defendants over the age of 75 from June 2020.

lord keen of elie: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has not made any specific arrangements for any potential increase in non-payment prosecutions for TV licences from June 2020. If required, to meet any emerging demand, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service will deploy its planning and allocation processes to allow for resource adjustment or reallocation.

Television: Licensing

lord foulkes of cumnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any estimate of the number of prosecutions of people over the age of 75 that may arise from non-payment of TV licences from June 2020.

lord keen of elie: No estimate has been made as to the potential increase in prosecutions for non-payment of TV licences from June 2020

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Local Government Finance

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of current levels of funding provided to local councils on councils' ability to provide statutory services.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Government continues to support councils in their vital work for our communities.The 2019-20 Settlement confirmed Core Spending Power for councils is forecast to increase by 2.8 per cent in cash terms. This is a real-terms increase in resources to support critical services.Preparations are well underway for the upcoming Spending Review, which is the right place to take the long term decisions about the ongoing resources required for councils to deliver high-quality services.

Department for Work and Pensions

Television: Licensing

baroness jolly: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that those who are entitled to claim (1) pension credit, and (2) a TV licence from June 2020, but currently do not, take up those benefits.

baroness buscombe: In the 2015 funding settlement, the Government agreed with the BBC that responsibility for the concession would transfer to the BBC. The implementation of the licence fee and the concession from June 2020 is a matter for the BBC and TV Licensing, which are independent of Government. However, we expect the BBC to put in place robust plans to support those who might be affected. The BBC has said it will write to all over 75 TV licence holders advising them of how the new policy will work and when they need to act. Irrespective of this, the Government is committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they are entitled to and the DWP targets activity on engaging with people who may be eligible to benefits at pivotal stages, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change in their circumstances. The DWP uses a wide range of channels to communicate information about benefits to potential claimants; including information on gov.uk, in leaflets and by telephone. DWP staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres including visiting officers are able to provide help and advice about entitlement to benefits, as are staff in Local Authorities who administer Housing Benefit. Potential claimants can use the Pension Credit calculator to check if they are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. People wishing to claim Pension Credit can do so by calling 0800 99 1234. One of the best ways to reach eligible claimants is through trusted stakeholder working in the community and we have developed the Pension Credit toolkit, as an on-line tool for agencies and welfare rights organisations to use in order to encourage Pension Credit take-up. The toolkit contains resources for anyone working with pensioners and includes guides to Pension Credit. It also contains publicity material and guidance designed to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit and help organisations support someone applying for Pension Credit as well as ideas for encouraging take-up. The toolkit also provides links to information about disability and carers benefits. Most recently we have provided to relevant stakeholders a fact sheet about Pension Credit and the changes introduced on 15 May for mixed age couples to ensure that accurate information is available in the places where people are most likely to seek information.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Southern Water

baroness jones of whitchurch: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they were advised that Southern Water had been allowing sewage and waste water to spill into the environment.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Environment Agency commenced a criminal investigation into Southern Water in 2016 due to suspected permit breaches at a number of its sites. The matter is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to give further details at this stage.

Home Office

Visas: Migrant Workers

lord howell of guildford: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the cost of intra-company transfer business visas for staff and their families applying to work in the UK for more than three years; what is the typical cost for an employee, their spouse and two children to apply for such visas; and what representations they have received about the impact of those costs.

baroness williams of trafford: It is the government’s policy that those who use and benefit most from the immigration system should contribute towards the cost of operating the system and reduce the burden on the UK taxpayer.The fees charged by the Home Office are governed by the charging principles set out in the 2014 Act and can only be increased with the approval of Parliament following collective government agreement.The Home Office keeps its fees for immigration and nationality under regular review. The cost (fee) for an employee to apply for an intra company transfer, as the main applicant, for a period of more than three years is as follows:Overseas £1220In country extension £1408The same fee applies for each application made by a dependant.We are actively engaging with business about the future Borders and Immigration System and the cost of visas (and the impact this has) is part of this engagement.

Electric Scooters: Speed Limits

lord jopling: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to ensure that the police can enforce the legal speed limits for road userson the users of electric scooters especially those that travel at more than 20 miles per hour.

baroness williams of trafford: Existing road traffic legislation applies to electric scooters. How the police enforce speed limits for electric scooters is an operational matter for individual Chief Officers of police in conjunction with local policing plans.

Metals: Recycling

baroness redfern: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many unlicensed scrap metal sites have been closed by local authorities in each of the last five years.

baroness redfern: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to increase the £5,000 fine for unlicensed scrap metal sites.

baroness williams of trafford: The Government supported the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 (“the 2013 Act”) which provided better regulation of the metal recycling sector, including making it an offence for a scrap metal dealer to operate without a licence.Under the 2013 Act, a scrap metal dealer who operates without a licence is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. The Sentencing Council are responsible for setting the maximum statutory fine limits and, for offences committed after 13 March 2015, the maximum fine for Level 5 is unlimited.The Home Office collects information from police forces on the number of offences that involved the theft of metal for its scrap metal value. These data are published annually by the Office for National Statistics and can be found in the ‘Property Crime tables’ here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/focusonpropertycrimeappendixtables. The Government does not hold data on the number of unlicensed scrap metal sites that have been closed by local authorities.

Department for International Trade

Arms Trade: Bahrain

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government why they have suspended the issuance of new export licences for the sale of arms to Bahrain.

viscount younger of leckie: The Government is carefully considering the implications of the Court of Appeal judgment of 20 June for decision making. While we do this, we will not grant any new licences for exports to Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Egypt) for possible use in the conflict in Yemen. We disagree with the judgment and are seeking permission to appeal.